Living
in today’s metropolitan world of cellular phones, mobile computers and
other high-tech gadgets is not just hectic but very impersonal. We make
money and then invest our time and effort in making more money. Does it
end?
Not usually because we are never satisfied. How many times have we
convinced ourselves that if only we had some more money, life would be
so sweet? But then, after receiving a substantial raise, we realize that
it wasn’t enough and that we need more?
What Should You Do?
I have read many books on life such as Robin Sharma’s Monk says this and
the monk says that, and they all seem to say that money is not
necessary. But it is. Can you do without cash and a lot of it? I know I
can’t.
So, I went to the neighbourhood Rabbi and asked for advice that will help me find my true way in life.
The rabbi nodded and took me to the window. “What do you see?” he asked me.
Promptly, I answered, “I can see people walking to and fro and a blind man is begging for alms at the left corner.”
The Rabbi nodded and guided me to a big mirror. “Now look and tell me what you see?”
“I can see myself,” I man answered.
The Rabbi smiled. “Now you can’t see anyone else. The mirror and the
window are both created from the same raw material: glass, but because
on one of them they have applied a thin layer of silver, when you look
at it all you can see is your own reflection.”
The Rabbi placed his arm on my shoulders. “Compare yourself to those two
pieces of glass. Without the silver layer, you saw the other people and
felt compassion for them. When you are covered with silver, you see
only yourself.”
I looked at the Rabbi and stared. “I don’t understand.”
The Rabbi continued. “You will become someone only if have the courage
to remove the silver covering over your eyes in order to again see and
love others.” He patted me on my back and sent me on my way.
I have thought of what he said and come to the conclusion that he had a
point. Yes. We need money and we should not aim to lead a moneyless
existence; its pointless and will only cause us and our families many
heartbreaks in the future.
Instead, I suggest that we should follow the advice the Rabbi gave me.
When we approach life through a silver covering, all we are able to see
is ourselves. But discard that covering, and you will be able to see and
feel everyone else.
In life, we are allowed to and should be able to look at both kinds of
mirrors, but we should remember that a mirror reflects only us; a window
is the door to compassion, health and true wealth. In other words, seek
wealth by all means, but don’t let it dissuade you from life, people,
children and the poor and needy.
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